National Volunteer Week celebrated at Hedrick Medical Center

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. – In 2014, Hedrick Medical Center Auxiliary volunteers contributed more than 10,000 hours of service to the hospital’s employees, patients, and families. That number is up 23 percent from the prior year. In honor of National Volunteer Week, April 12-18, Hedrick Medical Center recognized its Auxiliary members with an appreciation reception hosted by employees and administrators at the hospital on April 6.

Auxiliary members were treated to cake and tea and presented with a potted flower. Those who volunteered more than 50 hours were given additional recognition. Pat Botts was honored as the Auxilian of the Year for consistent outstanding performance. Ms. Botts has been a volunteer since 1995. She began as a station volunteer, and for the last 10 years has held several offices including president, vice president, and treasurer. Her skills and experience in business have been a benefit to the Auxiliary for many years. She has also served the Missouri Association of Hospital Auxiliaries as its State Treasurer.

The Auxiliary has more than 120 active and lifetime members. Active members provide numerous services to the hospital, including operating the Gift Box, the hospital’s gift shop. Other areas where Auxiliary volunteers provide service include the Medical Plaza, the Ambassador Desk, the OB dept., and the Specialty Clinics.

As an active proponent of health care careers, the Hedrick Medical Center Auxiliary has awarded 138 $500 scholarships to individuals since 1998. Recipients use the funds toward careers in  nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, occupational therapy, medicine, and speech therapy.

For more information about volunteering in the Hedrick Medical Center Auxiliary or the scholarship program, contact Lindy Chapman at 660-214-8107.